FORT WAYNE, IND. – A large-scale drug distribution network involving cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been dismantled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, resulting in the arrest of 17 individuals and the issuance of indictments against 18 others. The network, which stretched from Fort Wayne to Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, was allegedly led by Jose C. Razo, 43, and Carlos Silva-Ponce, 39, both from Fort Wayne.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, the network was responsible for the movement and distribution of significant quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin in the region. In addition to Razo and Silva-Ponce, 16 other individuals were named in indictments, including Patricia S. Quinones, 48; Samuel J. Gemple, 48; Marco A. Garcia, 29; and Allan C. Chiprez-Garcia, 20, all from Fort Wayne.
The investigation, which began yesterday morning, resulted in the execution of 20 federal search warrants and the arrest of 17 individuals, with one still at large. The individuals arrested include Baltazar Fernandez, 44, conspiracy to distribute cocaine; Juan M. Gonzalez, 33, conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine; and Frederick Moore, 42, conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, who was arrested in South Dakota.
Other indictments were returned against Javier Orozco, 28, conspiracy to distribute heroin; Edy A. Montoya-Echeverria, 34, conspiracy to distribute heroin; Larmondo Watts, 44, possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Jesus Montes-Perez, 47, distribution of methamphetamine; Rene A. Del-Rio Salazar, 30, distribution of cocaine; Fernando G. Garcia, 30, distribution of heroin; Carlos Prado, 36, distribution of methamphetamine; Jonathan A. Galindo, 25, conspiracy to distribute cocaine; and Enrique Cordova Campos, 41, conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
The investigation was directed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. The FBI FWSSTF was assisted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Elkhart Police Department, and the South Bend Police Department.
The dismantling of this large-scale drug distribution network is a significant blow to organized crime in the region. The arrests and indictments are a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in Indiana.
Those with information on the whereabouts of Javier Orozco, 28, who is currently a fugitive, are urged to contact the FBI.
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Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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